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Watco Transportation Services, which runs 22 short-line railroads in 18 states, has joined the Association of American Railroads. Two Watco railroads have previously earned Railway Age magazine's "Regional Railroad of the Year" distinction. Ed Hamberger, AAR president, said the addition of Watco "strengthens our ability to represent our industry effectively before the decision makers that shape policy and law affecting railroads."

Related Summaries

Combined rail traffic in the U.S., for the week ending Oct. 4, rose 5.6% from a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads. Freight carload volume increased 7.4%, while intermodal volume gained 3.7% from last year.

The Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Bill in its current form "would harm the nation's railroads' ability to move what the economy demands and deliver the service shippers expect," according to the Association of American Railroads. AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger pointed out that these "new restrictive regulations would be imposed on the nation's railroads at a time when investments in capacity, new equipment and new hires are needed."

Combined U.S. rail traffic increased 3.1% from the year-ago level for the week ending Aug. 30, according to the Association of American Railroads. Carload traffic for the period was up 1.3%, with intermodal jumping 5.3%.

A panel discussion at this year's National Ethanol Conference in Florida focused on the issues concerning ethanol distribution by rail. Ed Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, said ethanol shipments by rail surged 800% between 2000 and 2011. Rick Vondra, vice president and general manager of Patriot Renewable Fuels, said the recent cold snap has slowed down shipments, prompting the company to look for alternative means of transporting its products.

Freight carload volume and intermodal traffic of railroads across the country fell in the week ending Feb. 15 compared with the same period last year, according to the Association of American Railroads. Freight carload volume dropped 2.9%, while intermodal volume decreased by 5.7%.